The simplest model is one that's priced by device per month with software delivered via a cloud model with subscriptions. After all, mobile apps are never really done and don't really correspond with a one-and-done pricing and deployment model.

Gilfix said IBM is aiming for a 70 percent standard and 30 percent custom deployment model.

The custom work results in a one-time charge from IBM, but preintegration efforts with SAP and other ERP systems should speed up deployments.

With IBM's iOS efforts, Big Blue has identified data sources as well as APIs needed to populate applications. For instance, Plan Flight will be connected to airline reservation systems, flight planning software and air traffic and weather data.

For IBM, the MobileFirst apps for iOS are also likely to result in an enterprise mobility management sale---or at least pitch. Enterprise apps are generally delivered via EMM suites. IBM also has an EMM suite, the former MaaS360, but Gilfix noted that the company can connect to an enterprise's existing setup, which may include VMware's AirWatch, Citrix, Good Technology, MobileIron, BlackBerry and a number of others.

Those software pricing variables don't include actual hardware spend on the Apple devices. Specific figures and returns will become clearer as Apple and IBM build up their case studies and deployments. Citi, Air Canada, Sprint and Banorte are initial reference customers for the new apps.

Thank You

By registering you become a member of the CBS Interactive family of sites and you have read and agree to the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Video Services Policy. You agree to receive updates, alerts and promotions from CBS and that CBS may share information about you with our marketing partners so that they may contact you by email or otherwise about their products or services.
You will also receive a complimentary subscription to the ZDNet's Tech Update Today and ZDNet Announcement newsletters. You may unsubscribe from these newsletters at any time.